DETAILS & JOINERY
A craftsman's tour of The Gamble House.
Over 100 years ago a team of gifted craftsmen labored for 11 months to create The Gamble House. Inspired by the designs of Pasadena architects Charles and Henry Greene, the craftsman contractors led by John and Peter Hall, Scandinavian woodworkers, cut, turned, joined, carved, and hand-rubbed 17 species of wood into the House and furnishings that today are recognized as one of the greatest achievements in American architecture and craftsmanship.
Contemporary woodworker and tour guide Jim Ipekjian has studied the art and craft of the Greenes and the Halls for more than 20 years, and has an intimate knowledge of how their works were created. Mr. Ipekjian's Details & Joinery Tour reveals from a craftsman's point of view how The Gamble House was crafted.
On this 3-hour tour Mr. Ipekjian shares his passion and wonder for the exquisite work created by these master architects and craftsmen. His tour will:
- Discuss which woods were chosen and why
- Explain joinery techniques
- Explore the thinking and collaboration that led to the actual craftsmanship
- Examine details of the house and furniture
- Reveal the intricacies of inlay, metal work, and art glass created especially for the House
The next available touring dates are:
June 15, 2024
September 21, 2024
November 16, 2024
December 14, 2024
Tours begin at 8:30am, and are held on Saturdays, except for Sunday, April 21. Please note that interior masking is strongly encouraged, especially in larger groups.
What Is Not Included?
Gratuities for your guided tour are not included or expected, but we welcome contributions to the donation box in the Bookstore.
Meeting Location
4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena, CA 91103. Westmoreland Place is parallel to Orange Grove Boulevard between W. Walnut Street and Rosemont Avenue. Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets. Please plan to check-in for your tour approximately 10 minutes prior to the starting time.
Parking
Park on Westmoreland Place in designated spaces, directly in front of the Gamble House only. Additional parking is available on Orange Grove Blvd. and W. Walnut Street. On weekends you may also park in adjacent spaces designated for Westmoreland Academy. Please do NOT park in the parking lot south of the Gamble House or on Arroyo Terrace at any time.
Important Information:
Your tickets are non-refundable except for illness due to COVID. Your purchased tickets guarantee your space at the specific time and date of your tour or event.
All visitors must wear flat, broad-heeled shoes to protect the antique rugs and floors. Visitors with narrow-heeled shoes will be asked to change into knitted booties. Food and drink are not allowed inside the house, but guests are welcome to picnic outside on the grounds. Please leave bulky personal items in your car or at the Bookstore when you check in for your tour. Still photography is permitted inside the house, but we do not allow video, selfie sticks, tripods, monopods or flash photography.
Notice of Filming and Photography:
When at The Gamble House, you enter a site where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the premises, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction.